Listen to … Electric Tape Recorder – Repeater
A Ronseal approach to pysch rock: transparent, simple and effective.
In the spirit of setting expectations from the off, Electric Tape Recorder – a gritty psych-rock four-piece from the steel city – have presented us with a debut offering that’s equal parts beautiful and brutal. That’s as concise a review of Repeater as I can offer.
The raw components of the track do exactly as the name suggests. The band isn’t afraid to let the introduction to Repeater breathe. The space they warrant the track makes for a welcoming introduction. After a handful of cursory listens, the structure of the track offers a real solid foundation – that in itself gives you an immediate sense of familiarity with a song you’re only just becoming accustomed to.
It’s an introduction that makes you feel like you can anticipate the track’s coming twists; which it uses to its advantage. Repeater works with your expectations, but never lives up to them, in the spirit of keeping you hungry for more. After all, repetition breeds familiarity and comfort. But the band achieve this without ever outstaying its welcome.
Once you’re up to speed, the band harnesses the full power of its sonic arsenal. Though these descriptors risk becoming cliched, you’re bombarded with sludgy, thick bass riffs which jarr against piercing high notes and bellowing vocal harmonies. A quick break lets you digest what’s happening; a testament to the band’s pacing.
Depending on your experience, you might realise that your very expectations are being used against you; and that ephinany could come at any time. For me, that was when those stoner rock tropes started oozing in towards the song’s conclusion, becoming more apparent with every passing second.
It’s deceptively simple. Layered with love, lust and/or longing. It’s a debut that belies the band’s years, topped off with an excellent mix that allows you to dissect each individual component.
What’s next? My hope is that each following track is bigger, louder and longer than the last; and intertwined with a smidge more confidence and conviction.
But the track also shored up a concern of mine. The last few tracks I’ve laid ears on seem to be hitting an increasingly high watermark for debut singles. Call it an inverse nostalgia for the present. And while there’s a risk of ever-heightening standards making the bar for new music insurmountable, I’ll enjoy the ascent for now – and hope you choose to do the same.
You needn’t wait long for more new music from Electric Tape Recorder. Look out for second single No and debut EP Strange Holiday over the coming weeks. And as always, do head over to the band’s Instagram – and our own – for more.